jay's blog

It's that time of year again. Every year my wife and daughter go to Maine to visit a friend. They stay a couple of weeks eating blueberry pancakes and lobstah. I stay home.

There is a purpose in staying home - it is my time to improve the house. Over the years, I have done many home improvements while they are away. It is the best time to do them. My deadline is pretty specific. I have to get done before they come back. Why? Because my wife has no idea how torn up the house gets while I work. It is best she not know. Ignorance is bliss. She comes home to a finished project and all is well.

This year my project is putting hardwood flooring in the living and dining room. Why do I do it myself and not pay somebody else? One, because I can. And I am real good. Two, I am never happy with someone else's work. I prefer not to deal with that disappointment. I will include you in on my project.

Here is my palette:

That is the view of the living room.  This is my palette.  This photo was taken very early this morning.  The furniture was removed yesterday and is in the dining room, basement and family room. 

And yes, the walls are bubble gum pink.  Why?  You would have to ask that.  Well, many years ago we bought an antique Persian carpet.  The living room - its colors, furniture, everything - was built around that carpet.  Everything in the room was purchased or selected to complement its colors.  The room is all antiques, except for a grandfather clock, which imprint you can see in the corner.  It has taken a long time to find just the right thing(s) for the room.  It involved many decisions.  And those are executive decisions.  They are not for me to make.  I am the grunt, not the decorator.

This won't be easy.  I do this in addition to the 15 or so hours daily I devote to my occupation.  My wife doesn't care about that.  All she cares about is the deadline. 

The clock is ticking... wish me luck!

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